Variety of Candidates for NYS Governor on Nov. 2nd

New York - Election Day is less than a week away. Have you decided who will get your vote for NYS Governor?

The debate last week was supposed to help New Yorkers choose a candidate. Seven, widely varied, hopeful elects participated.

We had Andrew Cuomo of the Democratic Party and the current State Attorney General. Cuomo was poised and articulate. He has more than enough political experience. He used it to dodge accusations made against him. His experience should make him perfect for the job, but there is one little glitch. Some people see him as a "political insider" who is a little too skilled at wheeling and dealing.

Licking close at Cuomo's heels, once, but now in need of binoculars to catch a glimpse of him was Republican candidate Carl Paladino. One of the main reasons for his long distance is his horrendous anti-gay remarks. And he was the ONLY candidate on the stage to say he did not support gay marriage. Paladino appeared out of touch with modern times and slightly haggard.

Kristin Davis of the Anti-Prohibition Party and the only female candidate was difficult to take serious. I'm not quite sure if it was her former profession as a Manhattan Madam, bleached-blonde hair, hooker makeup, or off-color prostitution jokes. Maybe it was a combination of it all? She seemed likable but not gubernatorial.

Charles Barron of the Freedom Party is a former Black Panther and current member of New York's City Council. He vigorously participated in the debate and took several jabs at Andrew Cuomo. Barron was clearly passionate about racial inequality but not passionate about equality.

Howie Hawkins of the Green Party was a little too green. He sounded like a good old country boy in need of a tour guide to get around New York City. So, how could he run the state?

Hands down, the most charismatic and funniest candidate in the debate was the distinguished gentleman, Jimmy McMillan, of the Rent Is 2 Damn High Party. He's right; rent is too damn high, even Andrew Cuomo agreed. McMillan, however, only seems to have the one platform.

Last, but far from least, we had Warren Redlich of the Libertarian Party. He was impressive, smart, articulate and potential gubernatorial material. However, he lacks experience and isn't backed by a strong party.

Did this debate with its wide variety of characters help me decide who to vote for on November second?

Yes, it did, but not in the traditional sense. This debate was a fiasco. It was a horse and phony show. Only Cuomo and Paladino are true contenders for NYS Governor. The other players were distractions. They prevented me from seeing Cuomo and Paladino go head-to-head. And I will never see it because Cuomo would have to be a fool to do it. He is too far ahead in the polls to debate one week prior to the election.

Though this sham debate epitomized the phrase, "Only in New York," it helped me to decide who to vote for based upon another phrase, "A bad example is the best teacher." By seeing all of the people who should not be in charge of my state, I saw who should be the next Governor of New York.